Chiral Molecules and Spin Polarization

A promising alternative approach, investigated in recent years, focuses on chiral molecules—structures that lack a superimposable mirror image, like helixes. Studies indicate that these molecules can induce spin polarization at levels similar to ferromagnetic materials, approximately 60 to 70 percent. However, this technique is still under active research and continues to be a subject of debate within the scientific community.

Figure 1. Breakthrough in Electron Control: The Quantum Twist Unveiled.

A Hybrid Gold-Chiral System Unveiled

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have recently confirmed the existence of the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Figure 1 shows Breakthrough in Electron Control: The Quantum Twist Unveiled.

“Our group explored the impact of chiral molecules using spintronic methods,” explained Professor Angela Wittmann from the JGU Institute of Physics. “Instead of passing the charge current directly through the chiral molecules themselves, we created a hybrid system—a thin gold film with chiral molecules on its surface. While the majority of the current flows through the gold film, the chiral molecules influence the state of the gold.”

How Chiral Molecules Influence Spin Current

The researchers focused on how the spin current could be converted into a charge current. In a pure gold film, about three percent of the spin current is converted to charge, regardless of whether the electron spin is oriented upward or downward.

However, in the hybrid system of a gold layer combined with chiral molecules, the results differ. If the molecules on the gold surface are right-handed, currents with electron spin-up are converted more efficiently into charge than those with spin-down. Conversely, if the molecules are left-handed, the opposite effect occurs. Thus, the conversion of spin current to charge current depends on the chirality of the molecules on the gold surface.

Moreover, the effect is vectorial, as Wittmann elaborated: “If the helix structure of a chiral molecule is oriented upwards, the effect only occurs when the spin direction is aligned or exactly opposite to this orientation.”

If the spin direction does not align with the helix axis, the effect does not manifest. Therefore, the spin direction must correspond with, or be directly counter to, the helix axis.

The Significance of Spin Selectivity

“Our findings are an important step toward the wider acceptance of the spin selectivity effect and the influence of chiral molecules on spins,” Wittmann concluded.

The Quest to Control Electrons

For decades, scientists have explored ways to control electrons with precision. Electrons are fundamental particles that dictate many physical phenomena, such as electricity, magnetism, and chemical reactions. The ability to control electrons at a quantum level opens up new possibilities in computing, energy storage, and more.

Researchers have long sought a method to harness electron behaviors, like their spin and movement, to develop technologies like quantum computers and advanced materials.

The Quantum Twist Explained

The "quantum twist" refers to a new method in which scientists manipulate the quantum properties of electrons, specifically their spin and trajectory, using an innovative approach. This technique takes advantage of quantum mechanics—the branch of physics that governs the behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic scales. Through precise control of these quantum properties, scientists can effectively steer electrons to perform specific tasks, a key challenge for advancing quantum technologies.

The Role of Chiral Materials

One of the groundbreaking aspects of this new method involves the use of chiral materials—materials that exhibit "handedness" or asymmetry, much like how human hands are mirror images but not superimposable. Chiral materials influence the spin of electrons in a way that non-chiral materials cannot. By combining chiral materials with other techniques, scientists have found a way to control the electron's spin polarization, a crucial factor in the quantum twist method.

Practical Applications in Quantum Computing

One major application of this new technique is in quantum computing. Quantum computers rely on the manipulation of quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits. The ability to control electrons with the quantum twist method could lead to more stable qubits, reducing errors and improving computational efficiency. This control could also pave the way for faster and more efficient quantum processors, revolutionizing fields such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and complex simulations.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the exciting potential, there are challenges to overcome. The quantum twist method is still in the early stages of research, and scientists are working to refine the process for widespread use. Challenges include achieving consistent control of electron spin in different environments and scaling the technology for practical applications. However, as research progresses, the quantum twist holds the promise of opening new doors in quantum science and technology, reshaping the way we understand and use electrons.

Source: SciTECHDaily

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025),Scientists Discover a New Method to Control Electrons: The Quantum Twist, AnaTechmaz, pp. 196